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The ZX Spectrum

Introduction

The ZX Spectrum is an 8-bit home computer produced by Sinclair Research in the 1980's. Based around the Zilog Z80 microprocessor, with between 16 and 128Kb of memory, a 256x196 screen resolution with 16 colours and sound, it became one of the most popular microcomputers of the time.

[The Fuse Spectrum emulator]
An example of the Spectrum emulator, Fuse,
running `Grumpy Gumphrey, Super Sleuth'.
The ZX Spectrum has long ceased production, so anyone who is keen to revive fond memories or experience the computer for the first time must either; acquire a working second-hand model or, obtain an emulator which will allow you to run a Spectrum-like environment on your computer. Because Amstrad Plc. (who own the rights to the ZX Spectrum) have granted distribution permission for the ZX Spectrum ROMS, there are a vast collection of good quality emulators available from the WWW.

Emulation of the ZX Spectrum is a good way of keeping its memory alive, allowing people to re-discover some of their favourite games, and for new people to learn about what is possibly the best computer ever made!

Emulators

There are a number of ZX Spectrum emulators available. For a detailed list, consult World of Spectrum web site. Here are some of my favourites:

  • The Free Unix Spectrum Emulator fuse - small and efficient emulator, in development and distributed under Gnu GPL (Unix/ Linux).
  • XZX emulator - very detailed emulator (Unix/ Linux shareware).
  • Real Spectrum - sophisticated emulator which requires a high-spec. PC to run properly (MS-Windows/ Linux).

Links

The award-winning World of Spectrum is the definitive reference for everything to do with the Spectrum.

... time to go and play Speccy!

Written by George Beckett